Comparing Tile Choices: Big Box Stores vs. Local Shops

9 April 2025 3 answers
Asked by TileLover92
I recently got a quote for tile work in my two bathrooms that came to $20K, with prices set at $12 per square foot for glossy 12x18 porcelain tiles and $9 per square foot for non-glossy options. I've noticed that Home Depot lists prices around $2 per square foot. Is there a real difference in quality when buying tiles from big box stores compared to smaller tile shops?

Answers

DIYKing99
A smart move could be to ask for a labor-only price from your contractor and source the tiles yourself. You might save a lot that way!

TileLover92: That's a great idea! I'll definitely consider that.

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DesignFanatic21
There can definitely be quality differences, but it really depends. Those bathrooms sound large, so it’s crucial to compare materials. Just because it's glossy doesn't mean it's better—size and the manufacturer also play big roles. Make sure you're comparing similar products!
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RenovationGuru77
In my opinion, you can get what you like from either type of store, but your quoted price does seem pretty steep for the work you need done. Definitely worth looking around!
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